Editorial: Chaz Williams, little big man, decides to stay at UMass

Chaz Williams waited until minutes shy of an NBA deadline last week ago to declare he will remain at the University of Massachusetts to earn a degree — and to keep playing his spirited style of basketball.

We hope Williams knows fans of men’s hoop at UMass are applauding. As Matt Vautour reported last week, Williams’ interaction with NBA team scouts was sobering for him personally. Williams called the comments he received as a candidate a “tough process,” but said he felt compelled to explore the prospects of turning pro out of a wish to provide for his family.

We welcome this awesome sparkplug of a player back to the squad he never left. Williams embodies the drive and heart that make sports so exciting to watch.

Get to the Mullins Center next year to witness Williams and his teammates in action. If you haven’t seen this 5-foot-9 man race the court, slipping defenses and making height seem a disadvantage, you must.